Chongsheng Three Pagodas ​-within the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia

Originally built between 824 AD and 859 AD, the Chongsheng Three Pagodas stand around 1.5 kilometers northwest of Dali Old Town. They are situated some 1,500 meters from the foot of the mountain. The pagodas include the Big Pagoda, also called Qianxun Pagoda with a height of 69.13 meters and two smaller pagodas in the south and north. The two pagodas are 42.17 meters tall.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas ​Fast Facts

Chinese Name: Chongshengsi Santa (崇圣寺三塔)

Architectural Style: Chinese Architecture

Things to do th​ere:Photography, Hiking, Buddhism

Who visits: Photographers, Adventure Enthusiasts, Buddhist Believers

Time required: 2 - 3 x hours

What to expect at Chongsheng Three Pagodas

Qianxun Pagoda is located some 300 meters in front of Chongsheng Temple which was built after the three pagodas. It is a 16-storeyed building with an appearance similar to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. The pagoda weighs more than 8,000 tons. It has survived in the past several earthquakes. The two 10-storeyed smaller pagodas have slanted a little to the northwest. The two pagodas stand around 70 meters from Qianxun Pagoda. All of the three pagodas are decorated with fine Buddha sculptures. The bricks are carved with various Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit and Chinese.

The related cultural relics discovered in the three pagodas are on display in the exhibition hall behind the pagodas. You could explore the Buddhist relics, Buddhist scriptures, bronze mirrors, jade Buddha and crystal Buddha there. The Bell Pavilion offers a great chance to enjoy the views from the pavilion.

Larger than many of its kind, the main hall of Chongsheng Temple offers the unique sculptures to visit. The whole life of the Buddha is demonstrated through 18 patterns carved in 18 panelled doors. You could also find exquisite dragon sculptures in the scenic area of Chongsheng Three Pagodas. In addition, there is Pharmacist Hall, Eleven Faces Avalokiteshvara Hall, Arhat Hall with 500 gilded statues of arhats, God of Wealth Hall where you will find the 4-meters-tall statue of God of Wealth riding on a tiger and Emiment Monk Hall with the statues of the 9 emperors of Dali Kingdom (937 – 1094 and 1096 - 1253) who were monks.

You will find a spot where you could take the reflections of the three pagodas.

Best time to visit Chongsheng Three Pagodas

The best time to visit Chongsheng Three Pagodas is in the morning.

The best months to visit are from April to October.

How to get to Chongsheng Three Pagodas

You could take Bus 19 to the Stop of Santa Park (三塔公园) from the north gate of Dali Old Town or just rent a vehicle to the pagodas.

Additional Chongsheng Three Pagodas Travel Advice

Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:30

As at 21st February 2019, the entrance pricing to the park where the three pagodas stand is 75 CNY per person; the entrance pricing to the park and the shuttle bus is 110 CNY per person; children under 1.3m tall (1.3m tall not included) are free of charge. For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)

It takes around 30 minutes walk to the park from Dali Old Town.

Please wear the sunscreen cream and sunglasses.

Location

Photos

Interested in visiting Chongsheng Three Pagodas on a Tour?

Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Chongsheng Three Pagodas, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.